There's nothing quite as comforting as a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a chilly day, especially after an afternoon of errands or a long winter walk. For those who love chocolate flavor no matter its form, another tasty chocolate beverage is chocolate tea.
What is Chocolate Tea?
Chocolate tea is full of the delicious chocolate taste that hot cocoa offers, but is made directly from cocoa nibs or cacao bean shells rather than packaged hot chocolate mixes. It's the perfect cup of tea for those with a sweet tooth, and is ideal for tea lovers who prefer caffeine-free or decaf teas.
Chocolate tea has been popular in the Caribbean for hundreds of years, and is colloquially called the "Tea of the Gods." Since it's made directly from cocoa beans or nibs, it typically has a stronger flavor than your typical packaged hot chocolate.
Many tea drinkers go for herbal teas like peppermint or rooibos, and others prefer caffeinated teas like earl grey, chai, and black tea. Chocolate tea is the ideal cuppa for those who are looking for a caffeine-free tea that has a sweet flavor, and is a great afternoon treat that won't keep you up all night.
What Are the Health Benefits of Chocolate Tea?
Along with being yummy, this dessert tea is full of health benefits that make it even more worth a try. Chocolate and cacao contain flavanols, which are shown to support heart health and lower blood pressure. They're also high in antioxidants, helping cellular health and protecting against cancer. Plus, chocolate tea has fewer calories than a standard mug of hot chocolate.
The most convenient way to enjoy chocolate tea is to buy it in loose leaf tea bags, like you would any herbal or caffeinated tea. To experience this tasty, chocolatey drink for yourself, try this Teeccino Herbal Tea blend, which contains ramón seeds, cacao, vanilla and chile.
Make Your Own Cocoa Tea
If you prefer to make your chocolate tea yourself, the process is relatively easy. All you need are cacao nibs, milk, and any flavorings you prefer. Roast the cacao nibs, then add in the flavorings you like. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla go great with the chocolate flavor of the roasted cacao nibs.
Grind the mixture in a food processor or coffee grinder. Then, use the grounds as you would coffee grounds, brewing your tea in a coffeemaker, French press, pour-over, or however you like. Enjoy the "Tea of the Gods!"
Here's a tea recipe from Saveur.
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READ MORE: Does Chocolate Have Caffeine and Why It Makes Us Happy and Energized
